Problem-Based Learning Methods for Training Staff for Tourism and Hospitality Clusters

The paper argues the relevance of using the problem-based learning (PBL) method for training staff for tourism and hospitality clusters. The paper aims to summarize the results of the research undertaken at Kemerovo State University where the best practices of using PBL at Aalborg University (Denmark) and the University of Applied Sciences for Management & Communication (FHWien der WKW) (Austria) were applied in course of implementing the Tempus TOULL (tourism and Lifelong Learning Network) project. The research was based on the methods of expert assessment, pedagogical experiment, Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Life-Long Learning (LLL), CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) and others. The paper reflects the key challenges of developing and teaching Master’s Degree programs in Tourism at Russian universities. The features of using the PBL method are grounded, and the prospects of establishing Regional Tourism Resource Centres for running professional development and retraining programs are described basing on the example of Kemerovo State University. The key competences of the students taking up professional development and retraining programs in tourism and